WEBVTT CH HAS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. >> I DON'T SEE SUGAR, DO YOU SEESUGAR?>> Reporter: THERE'S SOMETHING SWEET GOING ON IN ALISON KENNEDY'S CLASS. HERE, EVERY SPECIAL ED STUDENT IS HANDS-ON. HERE'S THE SWEET PART. WE'LL LET A GIRL NAMED DULCE EXPLAIN. >> WE'RE MAKING COOKIES FOR THE BASKETBALL TEAM. [CHEERING]>> Reporter: EACH WEEK, THEY BAKE SNACKS FOR THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BASKETBALL TEAM. THE TALL, MUSCLEY AND HUNGRY GUYS. THESE TEENS, THEY'RE NOT DUNKINGBASKETBALLBASKETBALLS. THEY'RE DUMPING BROWN SUGAR. >> THERE'S YOUR SAND CASTLE. >> Reporter: TO TURN INTO TREATS. THEY'RE WORKING ON EVERYDAY LIVING. >> WE JUST TRY TO WORK ON SKILLSTHAT WILL MAKE THEM LIVE IN THE MOST INDEPENDENT SETTING POSSIBLE. >> Reporter: AND PART OF THAT LESSON IS THINKING OF OTHERS. >> OKAY. >> Reporter: BECAUSE AS OMAR EXPLAINS, WHEN YOU DO THAT, YOU BECOME PART OF SOMETHING. >> WE LIKE TO BE PART OF THE SCHOOL ROUTINE, AND SHOW OUR SCHOOL SPIRIT. >> WE TRY TO DO THINGS AROUND THE SCHOOL THAT MAKE US VISIBLE AND PART OF THE COMMUNITY. >> Reporter: ON THIS DAY, THEY PERSONALLY MAKE A DELIVERY. >> COOKIES. >> Reporter: AND IT TURNS OUT THE BASKETBALL TEAM HAS A SURPRISE OF THEIR OWN. >> WE GOT YOU GUYS SOME T-SHIRTSAND SOME WRISTBANDS. >> NICE, YEAH. >> Reporter: T-SHIRTS THEY CAN WEAR TO THE GAME AS COACH EYE --IVERSON'S CREW AS THEY CHEER ON THE TEAM. IT'S THE WAY THEY LIVE OFF THE COURT THAT MATTERS MOST. >> THEY MAKE US TREATS ALL THE TIME AND WE WANT TO MAKE THEM FEEL WELCOMED. >> Reporter: THERE'S ADMIRATION.>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US. >> Reporter: A TEAM THAT EXTENDSBEFORE THE HARDWOOD. >> THEY KNOW THE ASSIST FROM THEIR BIGGEST FANS IS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN THE POINTS SCORED.

There’s something sweet going on in Alison Kennedy’s class at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs. It’s a place where every special education student takes a hands-on approach to learning and it helps them be part of the community.

“I don’t see sugar. Do you see sugar?” Kennedy asks her class of 20 as they scramble to find baking supplies in the homelike classroom setting.

Advertisement

“We’re making cookies for the basketball team,” said student Dolce Martinez.

Each week, the students bake snacks for the varsity basketball team. They’re treats to enjoy after their games. Kennedy said baking cookies serves two purposes: to connect her special ed students to other teens and to learn basic skills for living, like cooking.

“We just try to work on skills that will let them live in the most independent setting possible,” said Kennedy.

Part of this lesson is thinking of others.

“We like to be part of the school team and show our school spirit,” said Omar Mefferd, who often attends school basketball games with his classmates.

Kennedy said she puts her students in situations where they can meet new people and enjoy new experiences.

“We try to do things around the school that make us a visible part of the community,” said Kennedy.

On the day KETV visited, the class was baking and delivering cookie bars to the basketball team, which the athletes graciously and enthusiastically accepted.

Senior basketball player Trey Nixon patiently visited with a special ed student.

“Are you a teenager?”, one student asked.

“I am a teenager,” smiled Nixon.

“They’re part of our family. They make us treats all the time and we want to make them feel welcome,” said Nixon.

Nixon and the team presented each special ed student with a t-shirt printed with the words, “Coach I’s Crew,” on them. Coach Issacson is the basketball coach. Students were encouraged to wear the shirts when they attend upcoming games.

Melfferd was touched by the gift and pulled the t-shirt over his head right away, wearing a huge smile. He approached Nixon and gave him a high five.

“Thanks so much, man,” said Mefferd.

It’s authentic admiration in a school where, even with different abilities and talents, they’re all on the “same” team. The basketball team spent the next 20 minutes helping the special ed students shoot hoops. They formed a huddle and shouted cheers together. And then they stood together for group photos.

Visiting Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln High School and witnessing this exchange of kindness absolutely made my week and restored by faith in teenagers. #Spread the love.